WEYMOUTH Carnival organisers are looking forward to a prosperous 2014 when they hope they will make the community proud.

Planning has already begun for this year’s event with the committee keen to build on previous years’ successes, act on feedback, and add some new touches of their own.

Carnival 2013 was a big learning curve for the Weymouth Carnival and Events Club which organised the event for the first time.

After a struggle earlier in the year raising funds, the committee was able to generate enough to cover the costs and hand out a small amount to charitable organisations and community groups.

As well as a fun day for families, the carnival exists to help good causes. Cash has now been distributed to more than 20 groups, from Scouts to Samaritans.

Chairman of Weymouth Carnival 2014, Elysia Munday, said: “It’s brilliant that in our first year as a brand new charity we were not only able to cover the costs of Weymouth Carnival but also distribute small donations among the charitable groups that generously gave their time to help with the event.

“Weymouth Carnival and Events Club has made investments into the future of this traditional event and we hope that in 2014 we will be able to support the community more than ever.”

Elysia, a former carnival queen, added: “We have been working incredibly hard to create the structure for carnival 2014 and develop community engaging strategies that will rebuild that traditional, close-knit community feeling and also really highlight the very best of our borough.

“Shortly after the event we conducted a survey to find out what spectators thought, which was the best kind of insight we could possibly have into the changes that need to be made and what already works well.

“We also have a fundraising team who have been brainstorming some exciting new ideas to raise money.

“Of course we also need businesses, sponsors and volunteers to get behind the event; everybody’s favourite, the Red Arrows, are still in need of funding.”

Weymouth Carnival Committee 2014 is seeking new members so if you’d like to take a leading role in the biggest local event of the year submit your interest to weymouthcarnival2014@outlook.com

WEYMOUTH Carnival and Events Club (WCEC) will not be involved in organising this year’s kite festival.

That is being left to Michael McManus, a trustee of the carnival club who has formed a committee to take the event forward. It will be held over the bank holiday weekend from May 3 to 5.

Carnival organisers say they want to concentrate on making Weymouth Carnival 2014 a success.

The council continues to give support by making officers available to help and give advice. Mr McManus said businesses were offering support and he was hopeful that the kite festival will be a big success.